Education Notebook, July 31-Aug. 6, 2014

The Clark County Department of Family Services, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, Fostering Southern Nevada, Foster Kinship and the Clark County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association are asking the community to donate new backpacks, school supplies and school uniforms to children in foster care.

Donations should be brought to Peggy’s Attic, 701 N. Pecos Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. The public also can call 702-455-5424 to make arrangements to drop off donations outside of these hours. The goal is to receive 400 backpacks and school supplies to fill the backpacks by Aug. 5.

All collected backpacks, uniforms and school supplies will be distributed to children in care and their caregivers on Aug. 6 at Peggy’s Attic from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Peggy’s Attic is the donation center for DFS, serving all children who have come into contact with the juvenile abuse and neglect court.

CASA FOUNDATION SEEKS BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES

CASA Foundation is calling on Las Vegas locals to help make a difference for children in foster care by donating backpacks and school supplies by Aug. 3.

On Aug. 10, Square Salon plans to host a day of pampering for the children, with plans to help approximately 300 kids this year. The foster children will receive a shampoo, haircut, blow dry and manicure, along with a backpack filled with school supplies to take home. There also will be food, music, balloons and a photo booth.

Backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at Square Salon, 1225 S. Fort Apache Road, No. 160, on or before Aug. 3.

The nonprofit CASA raises money to support Clark County children in foster care that are faced with unmet financial needs that exceed governmental funding. Currently there are more than 3,500 children in foster care in Clark County.

For more information, contact Nancy Myster at 702-497-2002 or Madison at 702-588-2722.

BACK2CLASS BASH PLANNED FOR AUG. 2 AT GOETT FAMILY PARK

Andson’s third annual Back2Class Bash is planned from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Goett Family Park, 10950 Southern Highlands Parkway. Families are invited to enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts, food, inflatables, carnival games and community vendors.

Backpacks and sackpacks filled with school supplies donated by the Las Vegas Hospitality Association are set to be distributed. Health screenings, dental kits, immunizations record look-up and giveaways also are planned.

For more information, visit andson.org.

END OF SUMMER SHOWCASE EVENT PLANNED IN BOULDER CITY

The End of Summer Showcase, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational tools to underprivileged, high-risk or neglected children, has selected After-School All-Stars Las Vegas as this year’s charity partner for its annual EOS Showcase event, set from 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 2 in Veterans’ Memorial Park, 1650 Buchanan Blvd., in Boulder City. More than 1,500 people are expected to attend the free event for a car show, dance competition, entertainment, games and food trucks. All ages are welcome.

Attendees are encouraged to bring and donate school supplies, which will be distributed by After School All-Stars among underprivileged students in the Clark County School District.

SAFEKEY REGISTRATION TO OPEN AUG. 4

Safekey registration is set to open for fall for students in kindergarten through fifth grade from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the city of Las Vegas Safekey Office, 416 N. Seventh St. Registration will also be available at recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov.

The fee is $20 per child, per school year. A morning pass is $7 per morning and an afternoon pass is $10 per afternoon. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying families. For more information about financial assistance, call 702-229-3218 or 702-229-3219.

Safekey hours vary by school. For more information, call 702-229-3399.

HOMEAID SOUTHERN NEVADA PLANS BACK-T0-SCHOOL BACKPACK ASSEMBLY EVENT

HomeAid Southern Nevada, a nonprofit that works with local homeless service providers to build shelters and facilities, provide outreach services and bring awareness for hunger and homelessness, plans to host a back-to-school drive backpack assembly event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Project 150 warehouse, 6211 Dean Martin Drive. Backpacks for students returning to school will be packed with school supplies and hygiene items.

A lunch followed by a brief presentation from charities being donated to, including the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Project 150 and West Prep Academy, are planned.

RSVP to Caitlyn Shea at caitlin@snhba.com or call 702-794-0117, ext. 100.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIRS SET IN AUGUST

A Ward 6 Back-to-School Fair and Movie in the Park event is planned for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Centennial Hills Park, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive. Free school supplies and binders are set to be given out while supplies last. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided, and a balloon artist, face painters and a jump house are planned. Admission is free. For more information, call 702-229-6154.

A Ward 5 Back-to-School Fair is planned from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. For more information, call 702-229-5443.

A Ward 1 Back-to-School Community Fair is planned from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 at West Charleston Lions/Essex Park, 600 Essex Drive. “Frozen” is set to be shown at dusk. For more information, call 702-229-6405.

COX BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIRS PLANNED IN AUGUST

Free Cox back-to-school fairs, sponsored by Amerigroup Community Care, are set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Meadows Mall, 4300 Meadows Lane; Aug. 16 at The Boulevard Mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, and Aug. 23 at The Galleria at Sunset, 1300 W. Sunset Road.

The fairs will feature community agencies and organizations hosting informational booths. Scheduled participants include several divisions of the Clark County School District, including: human resources; substitute services; support staff; facilities/zoning; food service; transportation, and school police. The Helping Kids Clinic will provide immunizations for school-aged children for a minimal fee. Parents must bring their child’s shot record for immunizations.

For more information, visit coxknowledgecollege.com.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS HIRING FOR SAFEKEY POSITIONS

The city of Las Vegas is looking for 75 people to work with elementary students in the Safekey educational and recreational enrichment program. Positions average 19 to 25 hours per week and pay $10 to $12 per hour. Positions available for the 2014-15 school year include site assistant and site leader. Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, first aid and CPR certification at time of hire/reclassification, physical agility, formal and informal education or training to read and write at a level necessary for job performance, and six to 12 months of experience working with children in a group setting.

For job descriptions and applications, visit lasvegasnevada.gov/employment or visit 416 N. Seventh St. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 702-229-3399.

IMMUNIZATIONS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

The Southern Nevada Health District is urging parents to beat the back-to-school rush by bringing preschoolers, kindergartners and seventh-graders for mandatory vaccinations at one of its public health centers.

Parents should bring immunization records. Parents who cannot locate their children’s immunization records should contact their health care provider or visit Nevada WebIZ, a statewide immunization registry, or call 877-689-3249. Non-custodial adults may accompany a child; however, written consent must be provided to the health district from the parent or guardian at the time of service. An administrative fee may apply depending upon insurance status.

Immunizations are available Monday through Friday at all health district locations. A special back-to-school immunization clinic is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 at the health district’s main facility, 330 S. Valley View Blvd. Health district locations are at: Main Public Health Center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd. (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 955 W. Craig Road, Suite 103D (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed 12:30 to 1:15 p.m).

The Clark County School District requires the following vaccinations for students enrolling in public or private school: chickenpox (varicella); hepatitis A; hepatitis B; polio; tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap); and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).

For information, call 702-759-0850 or visit www.snhd.info.

SHENKER ACADEMY CONTINUING REGISTRATION FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR

The Shenker Academy, an early childhood learning academy, is registering students for the 2014-15 school year. The program accommodates half-day and full-day preschool and kindergarten programs for children between 1 and 5. The school is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Half-day school hours run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while full-day goes until 4 p.m. Kindergarten hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The new school year begins Aug. 25.

The school also offers extended care before school from 7 to 9 a.m. and after school from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To register, call 702-255-5437.

FAITH-BASED PRESCHOOL SET TO OPEN

Water of Life Lutheran Church, 5430 S. Grand Canyon Drive, plans to offer preschool this fall for students age 3 and pre-kindergarten for those age 4. Daily learning will include Bible stories, pre-reading, art, play time, outdoor activities, science, social studies, music and pre-math.

Water of Life is a member of an extended family of faith known as the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

The church is served by the Rev. Matthew Vogt, who also serves as the chairman of the Arizona/California District Mission Board of WELS.

For more information, visit wateroflifelasvegas.org.

INCOMING FRESHMEN CAN APPLY FOR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL IB PROGRAM

The International Baccalaureate programs at the Clark County School District fill quickly, so students should apply soon for an opportunity with Valley High School’s magnet IB program.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 25. Incoming high school freshmen may print an application at magnet.ccsd.net or fill one out in person at the school, 2839 S. Burnham Ave.

NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Through Aug. 18, Nathan Adelson Hospice will serve as a drop-off point for school supplies for Robert L. Taylor and Sunrise Acres elementary schools.

Supplies needed include backpacks; paper; crayons; markers; scissors; erasers; glue sticks; tissues; colored pencils; pocket folders; rulers; binders; paper towels; and zippered plastic bags. Items can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at two hospice locations: 4141 Swenson St. and 3150 N. Tenaya Way, or on the third floor of the MountainView Medical Offices building.

Donations will be delivered to the schools before the first day of classes on Aug. 25. For more information, visit nah.org.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE PLANS OPERATION SCHOOL BELL FOR SEPT. 8

The Assistance League of Las Vegas plans to launch its annual Operation School Bell program Sept. 8. It provides more than 8,300 at-risk students with a back-to-school shopping experience from September through April each year. Children in grades kindergarten through eighth also receive age-specific hygiene kits.

School counselors refer students to the program beginning in August. Each child shops with the assistance of a volunteer to select two complete outfits.

For more information, visit lasvegas.assistanceleague.org.

INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE SEEKS HOST FAMILIES

The International High School is seeking host families for exchange students ages 15 to 18 from around the world for the upcoming school year.

Host families are needed for the fall semester and the full school year. Hosts serve as mentors and as a home base for their student. Each student is responsible for spending money and full health insurance coverage.

Applications are due by Aug. 15. For more information, contact Dawn Green at d.green@international-experience.net or call 208-447-8118.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM SEEKS HOST FAMILIES

The World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking local host families for high school exchange students from more than 30 countries, including Germany, Spain, Thailand, Denmark and France.

Couples, single parents and families with and without children are encouraged to apply to host a student for a semester or the entire school year. Each exchange student is fully insured, has personal spending money and expects to contribute to household responsibilities.

For more information, call 800-888-9040, email info@world-heritage.org or visit whhosts.com.

WET’N’WILD LAS VEGAS OFFERS FREE ADMISSION FOR GOOD SCHOOLWORK

As a summer treat to show appreciation for local residents and pass holders, Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, is offering several free admission opportunities to enjoy the park.

Wet‘n’Wild is rewarding Clark County students for their good work during school. Students who received straight A’s on their year-end report card can present it at any ticket window to receive a free general admission ticket. This offer is good for K-12 students one time during the 2014 season.

For more information, visit wetnwildlasvegas.com.

NEVADA STATE COLLEGE SEEKS STORIES FOR STUDENT-RUN LITERARY JOURNAL

Nevada State College and its Humanities Department are looking for stories to be printed in its student-run literary journal, 300 Days of Sun. It is a print journal featuring poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction and visual art.

It is seeking submissions for its second issue through Sept. 30. The book is slated to be printed in December. Copies of the journal will be available for purchase online and through the Nevada State College Bookstore.

Faculty adviser Dr. Gregory Robinson, chairman of the Humanities Department, said it is looking for original, unpublished work in English with the theme of Las Vegas. All submissions should involve the theme in some way.

Authors should consider this theme liberally, writing about the desert, Southern Nevada and culture outside the Strip.

For more information or to submit, visit https://300daysofsun.submittable.com/submit.

ALL 4 KIDS TO BE OFFERED AT CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER

The program All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit is being offered by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension for children 3 to 5 through Aug. 18 at the Cambridge Community Center, 3930 Cambridge St.

The program encourages children and their parents to be healthy, active and fit by providing interactive experiences that promote healthful habits.

The program is free and is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Space is limited, and classes are taught in English and Spanish.

To sign up, call 702-948-5942 or email all_for_kids@unce.unr.edu.

HELEN MEYER COMMUNITY CENTER TO HOST SUMMER PROGRAMS

The Helen Meyer Community Center, 4525 New Forest Drive, plans to offer pre-kindergarten one-week summer programs for children 3 to 5 through Aug. 22.

Programs are scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $65 per week.

Lessons planned include Spanish language, fun with numbers and letters, science, animal adventures, art, music, story book and crafts, sports, exercise and nutrition.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3quf388 or call 702-455-7723.

YMCA PLANS SUMMER READING AND SCIENCE PROGRAMS

The YMCA of Southern Nevada is offering summer reading and science programs for campers at all four of its branches. Summer camp participants ages 5 to 11 will participate in an age-appropriate learning program.

Programs include Martha Speaks (ages 5 to 7), emphasizing vocabulary acquisition; Rock Star Readers (ages 8 and 9), to instill a love of reading in children and improve literacy skills; and Design Squad (ages 10 and 11), including designing an experiment.

For more information about the camp and financial assistance, visit lasvegasymca.org.

THREE SQUARE OFFERS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR KIDS

Three Square food bank and its program partners have launched this year’s installment of the Summer Food Service Program, which runs through Aug. 22. It ensures that children across the Las Vegas Valley have access to nutritious meals during their summer break when free and reduced meals are not available.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by Nevada’s Department of Agriculture. It is free for children 18 or younger and is offered Monday through Friday at more than 70 sites across the valley.

For a list of sites, visit whyhunger.org/findfood or threesquare.org or call 866-348-6479.

STUDENTS INVITED TO ENTER POETRY COMPETITION

Clark County high school students are invited to submit original poems for the Vegas Valley Book Festival Spark! 2014 Poetry Writing & Recitation Competition, scheduled for Sept. 2. Modeled after the national Poetry Out Loud competition and the Scholastic Writing competition, the contest will give students the opportunity to recite their poetry during the Vegas Valley Book Festival on Oct. 18. First-place prize is $300, second place is $200 and third is $100.

Students will be asked to submit three original poems to be judged by a panel of poets, authors, educators and other community members. The top six will advance to the recitation round. The top three highest-scoring students in that round will determine first, second and third place.

For competition details, guidelines and a registration form, visit vegasvalleybookfestival.org/spark-poetry-writing-recitation-competition.

LIBRARY PROGRAM TO ENHANCE CHILDREN’S VOCABULARIES

Martha Speaks Mondays are slated at various libraries. Parents and children share books and activities that enhance a child’s vocabulary.

For more information, call 702-507-3630.